The so-called “face slimming injections” are, in theory, quite simple: they involve injecting botulinum toxin to cause the Masseter muscle to atrophy. However, when you go to South Korea, you’ll discover that simply choosing the right brand can already be a source of great confusion.
The three most commonly seen brands on the market are Botox, Letybo, and DYSPORT. The prices quoted by different clinics vary, and the same products are often recommended by different doctors, which can be quite confusing.
In this article, I have compiled the latest information for 2026, including the differences between various brands, the actual price ranges offered by Gangnam clinics, and those pitfalls that one must definitely avoid.
What exactly are the differences among these three major brands?
| brand | Manufacturer | Characteristics | Average price in Gangnam (for a single service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox from Botox Pharmaceuticals | Allergan (USA) | The oldest, with the most stable results and the longest duration of effect | ₩300,000 – 500,000 |
| Hengli Letybo | Hugel (local to South Korea) | A South Korea-based brand that has seen rapid market growth in recent years and offers excellent value for money. | ₩180,000 – 300,000 |
| DYSPORT | Euphorbia (UK) | It has a slightly wider coverage area and is suitable for treating large areas of the Masseter muscle. | ₩250,000 – 400,000 |
To put it simply, Botox is what people refer to as the “original brand”; it offers the highest level of stability but is also the most expensive. Hyluronic acid is a South Korean brand with promising clinical data, and it is the product most frequently recommended by clinics. DYSPORT has a high degree of dispersibility, which makes it popular among doctors who use it on patients with larger Masseters.
Essentially, all three brands contain botulinum toxin, and their safety has been clinically proven. The choice between them depends more on your budget and the doctor’s recommendation; there is no need to blindly trust Botox.
The actual price range of face slimming injections in South Korea in 2026
Below is the range of prices for the main types of clinics in Gangnam that I have compiled. Please note that this is not an advertisement, but rather a reference summary based on public information and actual consultation results.
| Types of clinics | brand | One-time reference price | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-end Dermatology (Cheongdam-dong/Gangnam District) | Botox is the main component. | ₩400,000 – 600,000 | This includes the consultation fee charged by the doctor. |
| Mid-range chain Dermatology clinics | Hengli/DYSPORT | ₩180,000 – 350,000 | During the promotional period, the price can be even lower. |
| Dermatology Department affiliated with the Plastic Surgery Department | All brands have them. | ₩200,000 – 450,000 | Package bundling is quite common in the medical beauty industry. |
₩100,000 is approximately equivalent to 54 RMB (based on the exchange rate in 2026). Calculated accordingly, the cost of a treatment at Hengli’s chain clinics ranges from ¥97 to ¥189, while at high-end clinics owned by Botox, it ranges from ¥216 to ¥324. Compared with domestic hospitals, these prices do offer certain advantages, but the gap is no longer as significant as it was five years ago.
Before getting fat-reducing injections, it is essential to understand these matters clearly.
① The thickness of the Masseter determines the dosage required, and the dosage in turn determines the price.
Facial slimming injections are charged on a per-unit basis, not per treatment. The thicker your Masseter muscle, the more units are required, and consequently, the higher the cost will be. Many clinics that offer low quotes only state how much it costs per treatment, without specifying the number of units included – this is one of the most common tricks used.
Generally, Asian women require 40 to 80 units of Botox per side of the Masseter muscle, totaling 80 to 160 units for both sides. If a clinic claims that “a full face treatment costs only ₩150,000”, you should ask clearly how many units are involved and whether it is a reduced-volume version of the treatment.
② The initial effects and duration of these results vary from person to person.
For most people, the effects begin to appear 2 to 4 weeks after the first treatment, and the full results are achieved after 1 to 2 months. The duration of these effects ranges from 4 to 6 months; in some cases, they may only last for 3 months, depending on the individual’s metabolic rate and the amount of substance injected.
The statement “My friend has been getting injections for a long time, but the effects still haven’t gone away” is not entirely accurate. Botulinum toxin is inevitably metabolized in the body, although the rate of metabolism varies from person to person. If your body metabolizes the toxin quickly, you may need to get another injection after just 3 months.
③ Things to avoid on the day of the treatment
Within 6 hours after the injection, do not lie down, avoid strenuous exercise, and refrain from rubbing the injection site vigorously. The clinic is not trying to scare you, but if the medication is dispersed, it may spread to areas where it should not go. In mild cases, this may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment; in severe cases, it could affect the facial muscles.
Additionally, within one week after the treatment, it is advisable to avoid high-temperature environments such as saunas and hot springs, as accelerating metabolism may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Who is not suitable for receiving facial slimming injections?
Not recommended for pregnant women and lactating mothers. Contraindicated in individuals with neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis. Additionally, if you already have a small face with barely visible Masseter muscles, undergoing this procedure will not only be ineffective but may also exacerbate the feeling of facial sagging. Doctors should inform you about this, but not all doctors will do so proactively.
How to find a reliable South Korean clinic?
Some practical suggestions:
- Choose a Dermatology department with specialized experience in botulinum toxin injections, rather than simply opting for a “plastic surgery” clinic.
- During the consultation, be proactive and ask: Which brand should be used, how many units are required, and whether the fee is calculated on a per-unit basis or per session.
- It is necessary to check the doctor’s license and the qualifications of the clinic (all legitimate clinics in South Korea will display these details).
- Be wary of “package bundling” – some clinics break down the services you need into individual items and charge you more when they are added together.
Facial slimming injections are not particularly high-risk procedures, but they certainly cannot be done at just any cheap clinic. Especially in South Korea, where language barriers exist, it is of utmost importance to do thorough research before proceeding.